The Common Water Strider
is water bug that looks a lot like a big mosquito walking on
the surface of the water.

Its body can grow just
over 1/2 inch long and is dark brown or black. Like all
insects, it has six legs. The front pair of legs is short,
and the middle and back legs are very long.

Water striders live on
the surface of ponds, slow streams, marshes,
and other quiet waters.

Peter J.
Bryant

Peter J.
Bryant

Common Water Striders eat
living and dead insects on the surface of the water. Some
are aquatic
(water) insects, such as mosquito larvae coming up from the
bottom, and others are terrestrial
(land) insects, such as butterflies or beetles that
accidentally land on the surface.

Injured dragonflies are a
favorite food, as are worms that fall in the water. Water
striders have a sharp mouthpart, called a rostrum, to suck
up body juices from prey.

Common Water Striders have very
good vision and move quickly on the water. The short front legs of a
water strider are for grabbing prey. The middle legs push the insect
forward, and the hind legs steer. The shape of their legs and their
light weight keep them from breaking through the surface.

In breeding
season, water striders communicate by sending ripples to each other
on the surface of the water.

Females lay eggs at the water's
edge, usually on plant stems. When eggs hatch, nymphs
(baby striders) must grow for over a month before they become
adult
water striders.

Water Striders must always keep
moving to so they don't become prey themselves to fish or other
predators.
These insects do not have wings. They are usually in large groups and
prefer the protection of overhanging trees and shade.

Common Water Striders can live for
many months, and adults can overwinter.
They can crawl inside a plant stem when it gets too cold.